Chris Lisinski
State House News Service

The number of patients currently hospitalized for COVID-19 crept up over the weekend as state officials reported more than 900 new confirmed cases of the highly infectious virus and 41 more deaths.

Active hospitalizations rose to 364 in the Department of Public Health’s Sunday data report, 26 more than in Friday’s report and 51 more than the Sept. 13 update. Of those counted Sunday, 61 are in intensive care units and 34 are intubated. The rolling average number of active hospitalizations in Sunday’s report was 19 percent higher than the record low of 302 set in late August, DPH said.

The department on Saturday reported 569 new confirmed cases from 21,298 individuals newly tested by molecular tests, a positivity rate of about 2.7 percent. Sunday’s report confirmed 340 more cases from 17,399 people tested for a positivity rate of about 2 percent. Despite those increases, officials reported no change in the seven-day weighted average positive test rate, which stayed at a record low of 0.8 percent in Sunday’s report.

DPH confirmed 26 deaths linked to the virus in Saturday’s report and 15 in Sunday’s version, pushing the cumulative count of confirmed or probable COVID-19 deaths to 9,310 since the pandemic hit in March.

A 59-year-old Fairhaven man died Saturday afternoon, the victim of a possible drowning or medical incident while in the water at Pope Beach in Fairhaven.

Fairhaven Police received a 911 call Saturday around 3 p.m. for a report of a man being pulled from the water, who had stopped breathing. When police and paramedics arrive on scene, they located the victim, Brian Breton, and at least two witnesses. The victim was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where he was pronounced deceased shortly before 4 p.m.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that Mr. Breton entered the water after he and a friend parked their vehicle at the bottom of Hacker Street. A witness who was already in the water told police he saw the victim swim about 30 feet out into the shallow water. After about 15 minutes, the witness said he noticed that the victim was face down in the water. The witness initially believed the victim was just floating or viewing marine life, but realized something was wrong after about 45 seconds passed and he noticed the victim’s friend heading towards the victim.

The witness and the victim’s friends pulled the victim from the water and immediately called 911. It is unclear at this time whether the victim suffered a medical emergency while in the water. The depth of the water in the area where the incident occurred is only about three feet. An autopsy will be conducted, however, there is no suspicion of foul play related to this death.

The past few days may have fooled you – we had cool temperatures that dropped into the low 60s – but this weekend nature is sending us a reminder that summer is indeed here with “feels like” temperatures as high as 103 degrees.

What does “feels like” mean? The heat index is related to the saying “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” That means that while the thermometer may read 93 degrees your body experiences a much higher temperature because of the humidity in the air. That’s when you have a constant sweat going on and your clothes are sticking to your skin.

National Weather Service (Boston) photo.

The humidity will arrive Friday afternoon through Saturday and increase in intensity with the worst of the heat coming Sunday into Monday. So be sure that the air conditioner is in the window ready to go and the freon has been recharged.

This sort of heat impacts our pets, children, and the elderly the most. So it’s important to monitor them and keep them hydrated, and if you are “longer in the tooth” to keep drinking water. In these types of high temperatures heart attacks, strokes and heat strokes increase in frequency so it is prudent to wait until the extreme heat passes before mowing your lawn – unless you have one of those powered lawnmowers.

National Weather Service (Boston) photo.

Separate arrests over the Fourth of July holiday weekend led to firearms and drug trafficking charges.

On July 3, detectives seized 54 grams of cocaine and $614 at 75 Crapo St. Apt. #1N. As a result, Jorge Duarte, 26, 75 Crapo St., Apt. #1N was charged with drug trafficking. He is currently on pre-trial probation for firearms offenses. Detective Kevin Barbosa investigated the case. 

On July 4, New Bedford police detectives charged Jayante Arthur Antone, 23, 7 Bannister St. Apt. #1, in the area of 815 S. First St. for illegally carrying a firearm. This is a subsequent offense.

If you have any information on criminal activity in your community, the New Bedford Police Dept. wants to hear from you. You can leave an anonymous tip on our voicemail at (508) 991-6300 Ext. 1.

As Massachusetts celebrates Independence Day this weekend, state environmental and public safety officials are urging members of the public to use caution and common sense on roadways and in the water, to avoid the risks posed by illegal fireworks, and to continue practicing health and safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during the July 4 holiday weekend.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides on Friday joined EOPSS Undersecretary Terrence Reidy, State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, Environmental Police Colonel Shaun Santos, and State Police Colonel Christopher Mason at Constitution Beach in East Boston to discuss the importance of using caution to ensure a safe and healthy holiday weekend for all Massachusetts residents.

“As we celebrate Independence Day this year under the unique and unprecedented circumstances created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is critically important that residents throughout the Commonwealth are mindful to prioritize safety for themselves, their families, and their neighbors,” said EEA Secretary Theoharides. “In recent weeks we have seen an increase in tragic boating accidents, as well as drought conditions that increase the risk of brush fires, and we urge the public to take extra care when engaging in outdoor recreational activities to keep themselves and others safe and healthy throughout the holiday weekend.”

“The people of Massachusetts have done a remarkable job in reducing the spread of COVID-19, but the virus isn’t taking a holiday,” said EOPSS Undersecretary Reidy. “We’re asking that everyone observe Independence Day safely by using face coverings and maintaining social distance in public, operating boats and vehicles responsibly, and leaving fireworks to professionals.”

As a result of low precipitation since May and recent above normal temperatures leading to drying conditions across the Commonwealth and steep declines in precipitation and streamflow, several regions in Massachusetts are in a Level 2 – Significant Drought. At Level 2 – Significant Drought, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, conditions are becoming significantly dry, increasing the potential risk for brush fires.

“Massachusetts has had more than 700 brush fires this year, consuming hundreds of acres of land,” said Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “Fire safety is a year-round priority, but in light of the significant drought conditions we’re urging extra caution with grills, campfires, and smoking materials. We’re also reminding the public that fireworks aren’t just illegal in Massachusetts but dangerous as well. They can cause grave injury, burn down a home, or spark an outdoor fire that takes days to bring under control. Preventable fires can slow down the response to other common emergencies, so please play it safe and smart this summer.”

Boaters are reminded that operating any vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. To help address boating under the influence (BUI), the Massachusetts Environmental Police will take part in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign addressing BUI during the July 4 weekend. Increased numbers of recreational boaters on the water, as well as an increase in the number of injuries and deadly accidents related to boating under the influence, is common during the July 4 holiday weekend. The U.S. Coast Guard, local and state law enforcement agencies, recreational boating safety advocates and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) are participating to help raise awareness and prevent tragedies related to boating under the influence.

“It is important that boaters take important steps to practice safe and responsible boating, as the Commonwealth has seen a dramatic increase in tragic boating accidents this year,” said Massachusetts Environmental Police Colonel Shaun Santos. “As we anticipate significant boating traffic throughout the July 4 holiday, the Massachusetts Environmental Police will take part in Operation Dry Water and will focus on enforcing Boating Under the Influence law to increase boating safety throughout the Commonwealth.”

According to the United States Coast Guard, there were 4,168 recreational boating accidents nationally in 2019 leading to 613 deaths, 2,559 injuries and approximately $55 million dollars of damage to property. Of the fatalities, 77% were due to drowning. Of those who drowned, 84% of the victims were not wearing a lifejacket.

Boaters are also prohibited from operating within 150 feet of public or private swimming areas. All boaters are urged to operate their vessels at reasonable speeds based upon existing conditions, including traffic density, weather, and visibility. For inland waters, operating at a speed greater than 45 mph is considered excessive.

Under Massachusetts law, boaters under the age of 12 may not operate a motorboat unless accompanied and supervised by an adult. Children under the age of 16 may not operate a personal watercraft. Children ages 12-15 must complete an approved boating safety course to operate a motorboat, children ages 16 and 17 must do so to operate a personal watercraft. All boating accidents must be reported to the Massachusetts Environmental Police at (800) 632-8075.

Parents and caregivers are also reminded to pay extra attention to young children in and around swimming pools, lakes, and beaches even when a lifeguard is present.

“Massachusetts State Police will be on the road to keep motorists safe this holiday and every day,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Christopher Mason. “Be sober, slow down, wear your seatbelt, and when you are the driver, pay attention to your only responsibility – driving the car. And we urge motorcyclists to be just as careful. Nothing says freedom more than the open road, so slow down and enjoy the ride.”

Officials said state beaches and other Department of Conservation and Recreation sites would be open this weekend but emphasized the need to follow public health guidance on those properties to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and exposure.

Recently, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) created a Find a Park webpage to provide the public with information prior to visiting a state parks property. The webpage, which has a search feature to identify state park properties within a select distance, displays pertinent details about each state park or facility, such as the availability of amenities, recreational activities offered, trail maps, and more. Importantly, the new webpage will enable visitors to shape their plans prior to exploring the state parks system’s many properties throughout the Commonwealth.

The hashtag #CancelYale trended on Twitter this past weekend as users highlighted Yale being named after a slave trader.

Former Republican Congressional candidate and Iraq War veteran Jesse Kelly started the trend by pointing out that Yale University was named for Elihu Yale, a former slave trader.

Yale University was named for Elihu Yale. Not just a man who had slaves. An actual slave trader. I call on @Yale to change it’s name immediately and strip the name of Yale from every building, piece of paper, and merchandise. Otherwise, they hate black people. #CancelYale

— Jesse Kelly (@JesseKellyDC) June 20, 2020

Kelly’s spotlighting of Yale’s namesake is in response to statues being torn down or removed across the country including statues of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ulysses S. Grant, Francis Scott Key, Theodore Roosevelt and Junipero Serra. In Boston, the statue of Christopher Columbus was beheaded.

Per the New Haven Register, Yale has declined to comment.

Even Wikipedia updated their Elihu Yale page to reflect #CancelYale trending.

Elihu Yale (5 April 1649 – 8 July 1721) was an American-born British merchant, President of the East India Company settlement in Fort St. George, at Madras, and a benefactor of the Collegiate School in the Colony of Connecticut, which, in 1718, was renamed Yale College in his honour. On June 21, 2020, #CancelYale trended online after it was pointed out its founder Elihu Yale was a slave owner and trader.

Do you support removing/tearing down statues? Renaming universities tied to slavery in America?

Through MaskNB initiative, City of New Bedford offers free masks to all city residents who want them.

MaskNB, an initiative announced by Mayor Jon Mitchell in partnership with the Southeastern Massachuestts chapter of the American Red Cross and Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation, will continue mask distribution this weekend, June 13 and 14, at New Bedford High School’s parking lot.

Distribution began in May and has continued with thousands of masks provided to residents of Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4. The distribution of cloth masks at no cost to City residents continues with Ward 5 and 6 residents this weekend, as the distribution is organized by Ward. The distribution will be done through an organized drive-through system for cars, observing social distancing. Residents are asked to limit their mask requests to those in their household and/or any elderly or vulnerable neighbors (who have been advised against leaving their homes).

On Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 5 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 5 includes most of the West End of New Bedford, including the neighborhoods around Buttonwood Park, Hawthorn Street and its intersecting streets to the north and south, Orchard Street south to Thompson Street, and the neighborhoods around Rural Cemetery and St. Luke’s Hospital.

On Sunday, June 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 6 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 6 includes the South End of New Bedford, including the entire South End peninsula from Cove Street south to Fort Taber, as well as County Street and its intersecting streets south of Rivet Street, and neighborhoods around Ashley Park and Goulart Square.

Any resident who is unsure of the Ward in which they live may visit wheredoivotema.com and enter their address. This website provides polling location, and the first information noted is the Ward in which the resident lives. Residents do not need to be registered voters to use this online tool.

Under the MaskNB distribution plan, interested residents in each of the City’s six Wards will have an opportunity to obtain free cloth face masks at New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Boulevard, on the following assigned dates and times:

• Ward 5 Saturday, June 13 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Ward 6 Sunday, June 14 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Distribution of masks to Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4 took place over the last two weekends. The dates are listed at www.masknb.com. Additional dates may be announced based on available supplies.

Residents should arrive at the main vehicle entrance of New Bedford High School, located at 230 Hathaway Boulevard, and remain in their vehicles as Red Cross volunteers hand out masks based on their requests. Residents are asked to limit their mask requests to those in their household and/or any elderly or vulnerable neighbors (who have been advised against leaving their homes).

Mayor Jon Mitchell announced the MaskNB initiative on May 14. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the wearing of cloth face coverings in public where social distancing is difficult to maintain; cloth face coverings are not a substitute for medical-grade masks, but provide more protection against the spread of viruses than not covering one’s face. More information about the use and effectiveness of cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

MaskNB, an initiative announced by Mayor Jon Mitchell in partnership with the Southeastern Massachuestts chapter of the American Red Cross and Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation, will begin mask distribution this weekend, May 30 and 31 at New Bedford High School’s parking lot.

The distribution of cloth masks at no cost to City residents begins with North End residents this weekend, as the distribution is organized by Ward. The distribution will be done through an organized drive-through system for cars, observing social distancing. Residents are asked to limit their mask requests to those in their household and/or any elderly or vulnerable neighbors (who have been advised against leaving their homes).

On Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 1 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 1 contains most of the far North End, roughly the area of the city located north of Tarkiln Hill Road.

On Sunday, May 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 2 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 2 contains most of the near North End, roughly the area of the city located north of Coggeshall Street and south of Tarkiln Hill Road.

Residents of Ward 3 and Ward 4 may pick up masks the weekend of June 6 and 7.

Residents of Ward 5 and Ward 6 may pick up masks the weekend of June 13 and 14.

Any resident who is unsure of the Ward in which they live may visit wheredoivotema.com and enter their address. This website provides polling location, and the first information noted is the Ward in which the resident lives. Residents do not need to be registered voters to use this online tool.

Under the MaskNB distribution plan, interested residents in each of the City’s six Wards will have an opportunity to obtain free cloth face masks at New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Boulevard, on the following assigned dates and times:

Ward 1 – Saturday, May 30 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 2 – Sunday, May 31 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 3 – Saturday, June 6 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 4 – Sunday, June 7 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 5 – Saturday, June 13 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 6 – Sunday, June 14 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The dates are listed at www.masknb.com. Additional dates may be announced based on available supplies.

Residents should arrive at the main vehicle entrance of New Bedford High School, located at 230 Hathaway Boulevard, and remain in their vehicles as Red Cross volunteers hand out masks based on their requests. Residents are asked to limit their mask requests to those in their household and/or any elderly or vulnerable neighbors (who have been advised against leaving their homes).

Mayor Jon Mitchell announced the MaskNB initiative on May 14. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the wearing of cloth face coverings in public where social distancing is difficult to maintain; cloth face coverings are not a substitute for medical-grade masks, but provide more protection against the spread of viruses than not covering one’s face. More information about the use and effectiveness of cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

New Bedford Police Department Gang Unit Detectives seized four firearms during three separate incidents over the weekend that resulted in firearms charges for four individuals.

On April 4, Gang Unit detectives approached a vehicle at the corner of Cove St. and Mortin Ct. where they located a Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver with 5 rounds of ammunition. Carl Taylor, 24, 162 Brook St. #2, and Alicia Santos, 26, 84 Willis St. were both arrested and charged with firearms-related offenses. Taylor was also charged with resisting arrest.

On April 5, Gang Unit Detectives responded to drag-racing call near the Rodney French Blvd. boat ramp when they spotted Noel Silvares-Carrion, 25, for a previous warrant. During the arrest, detectives located a .22 caliber Ruger pistol loaded with 9 rounds of ammunition. Silvares-Carrion was charged with several firearms offenses. This is a subsequent firearms offense for Silvares-Carrion.  

On April 5, as the result of an ongoing investigation, Detectives executed a search warrant on a 2003 gray Saturn Ion. The target of the search warrant was Raylene Michaud, 34, 2094 Phillips Rd. #28. Detectives located a Reek Single Action 22 caliber revolver (later found to be stolen out of Norwood) and a 22-caliber revolver. Detectives also located 21 rounds of ammunition. Michaud was charged with firearms and stolen property offenses. The case was investigated by Detective Kevin Barbosa.

If you have any information on criminal activity in your community, the New Bedford Police Dept. wants to hear from you. You can leave an anonymous tip on our voicemail at (508) 991-6300 Ext. 1.

OFF: Thursday, March 12, 2020: Dual Enrollment Info Session at NBHS

The Dual Enrollment Information Session scheduled for tonight at New Bedford High School from 5:30-6:30 has been canceled. Information about the program will be posted on the New Bedford High School website nbhs.newbedfordschools.org along with the application. Please contact Mrs. Cardoza directly with questions regarding the program or application process at jcardoza@newbedfordschools.org or 508-997-4511 x20507.

POSTPONED: Friday, March 13, 2020: Pops Concert at NBHS

Out of an abundance of caution, the New Bedford High School Pops Night, which was scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2020 has been postponed until further notice.

ON: Saturday, March 14, 2020: SAT Testing at NBHS

College Board SAT Testing at New Bedford High School remains on schedule for Saturday, March 14. Students registered to take the SAT are to report on time per College Board instructions. Students will be divided into small groups throughout the high school.